He Said, She Said at the Movies: Guardians of the Galaxy Review

He Said, She Said at the Movies: Guardians of the Galaxy Review (Image 1) (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

HE SAID:

"Guardians of the Galaxy" is the best Marvel movie released to date. Yes, that includes "The Avengers" and "Captain America: Winter Soldier." And if you've seen those movies I'm referring to, you know that's a high compliment. Everything works here from the opening credits.

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Chris Pratt plays Peter Quill a.k.a. Starlord, the leader of a band of outlaws/misfits that team up to save and protect the galaxy that's being threatened by Ronan (Lee Pace). The screenplay is perfect, featuring the right blend of humor, heart and action. It's also one of the first Marvel movies to have a villain we actually fear and care about. Lee Pace is outstanding as Ronan, who stands up to another baddie we'll be seeing a lot more of, Thanos. Yes, Thanos (voiced by Josh Brolin) makes his first official appearance in a Marvel movie, speaking actual lines and giving us a foreshadowing of what's to come. The chemistry of the five leads is some of the best ever showcased on screen. This movie easily could have been silly and forgettable, but director James Gunn cast this movie in such an immaculate way, we almost forget we are in space with a tree-like humanoid and a gun-toting, foul-mouthed raccoon.

Dave Bautista, made famous as a professional wrestler with WWE, is the biggest surprise here. His comedic timing is on par with Pratt and Zoe Saldana (who plays Gamora). And it's hard to believe that Vin Diesel as Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket the Raccoon didn't get to see what their human counterparts were doing and saying throughout the movie. It's that seamless. I don't want to spoil any detailed plot points. This movie deserves to be seen immediately and you don't need me to ruin anything. My personal favorite is Groot. Though Diesel is asked to say the same line over and over again ("I AM GROOT"), there's a slight change in every delivery and this connects with audience in a big way. Zoe Saldana is a beautiful, confident and exciting performer and is quickly becoming one of the best actresses working today. Bradley Cooper does some of the best voice work of this year or any other come to think of it. Rocket is vulnerable in places you don't expect, and has more humanity behind the furry complexion than the audience realizes at first. This is not just a great superhero movie or a superb setup for the Marvel universe. This is one of the best movies of 2014, in a year that's finally starting to compile a pretty strong list come awards season. FULL PRICE.

SHE SAID:

This is definitely a fun film to see on the big screen. I have never seen a movie in 3D, but if I were, this would be a good choice. The imagery, planet travel, and colorful background scenery is very cool. All that, coupled with the different species of creatures remind me a lot of "Star Wars." The big tree-like character named Groot is similar to Chewbacca. His only lines for the most part are "I am Groot," but he has a big heart. All the main character do, at the end of the day. This movie has a great message. It caters to both the young and the old. I saw this with my family. Both my parents and younger siblings all really enjoyed it.

The movie is filled with laughs. It plays in a way like a live-action cartoon. The funny banter, between the characters is one of my favorite things about this movie. It's one of those films that, if you see it three or four times, you'll likely notice a few new things every time. There's a lot going on, and I mean that in a good way.

A group of, essentially thieves, band together to sell an orb, containing an all powerful infinity stone, for a fortune. When they find out what the orb is capable of, they set out instead to save the galaxy. Hence, the movie title.

All the main "good characters," if you will, have gone through a lot of hardship in their lives and prove that there's a hero in all of us, if we dig deep enough. They show that friendship is what it is all about. Zoe Saldana's character goes so far as to say at one point, something to the effect of, "I've lived almost my entire life with my enemies. Why not die with my friends?" Drax the Destroyer is a big, bulky, muscular superhero, who takes everything literally, which plays well with the sarcastic Peter Quill and the trash-talking Rocket Raccoon.

The power of music cannot be overlooked. Its ability to distract, change your mood, and bring back memories is a very central theme to this movie. The songs are all toe tappers from the 70s and 80s, something an older audience will definitely appreciate, and a younger audience will enjoy as well.

Stick around until the very end after the credits. Also, there will be a sequel. The movie-makers tell you that, at the end. And do not worry, they also make sure you know no raccoons or tree creatures were harmed during the making of this film. FULL PRICE.